Old traditions return and new ones begin at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School

Courtesy photo/Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School

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Eighth graders lead and help younger students during school family group activities.

SALT LAKE CITY — It has been more than two years since COVID abruptly ended many long-standing traditions at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, traditions that become a part of each student’s experience as they grow and learn at Lourdes and in our community.

On the first day of school this year, a sense of joy and excitement permeated the school gymnasium. Not only because we could see everyone’s smiles (masks are optional this year) but after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, all grades gathered once again as a school community to begin the day.

Each day at Lourdes begins with the sign of the cross.

“What a calming and peaceful reminder to let God know that we are giving our day to him, ready for whatever he has in store for us,” Principal Tina Bergquist said.

Our morning gathering, which also includes saying the school prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, acknowledging birthdays, and school announcements, sets the tone for the day by strengthening the connection between students and school.

Lourdes traditions center on family, community, our Catholic identity, service and on celebrating our students and their many talents and achievements. Our traditions extend to every age. Families and our parish community join in with these traditions so that each student knows that they not only are valued but are also part of something special as students in our school – a place “where everybody is somebody.”

The school Mass is an important learning experience for students that allows our faith to grow stronger so we can more clearly see the plans God has for us. After attending Mass in cohorts, watching live-streamed and on video, this year we are excited and blessed to be able to gather again – this year weekly – for all school Masses with our new pastor, Father Anil Kumar Kakumanu.

One of the most missed traditions these past few years was not having school family groups, which are formed with students from grades kindergarten through eight. Eighth-grade students lead their group. Every month the school family groups meet to learn about our faith together with an activity or community service project. These relationships form friendships between all ages and make our academic and faith journey special from the very first day.  

“I have really missed meeting with our school family groups these past two years,” said eighth-grader Elizabeth Earhart. “I miss talking to the younger students and getting to know them. I’m so excited, especially because I will be the leader of a group since I am in eighth grade. It will be fun to be a role model.”

We are very excited to welcome back the return of our Grandparents and Grand Friends Day as well as educational field trips. Also this year, Lourdes will be starting a musical theater club for students in grades 5-8. The students will gain experience in singing, dancing, acting and production, culminating with a stage musical in the spring.

Traditions bring comfort and certainty, help kids to explore themselves, form new friendships and find a counterbalance against pure academics. And while there will always be some uncertainty, the return of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School’s traditions will be welcomed with smiles – much like our first day of school this year.

Courtesy of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School